מְבֻנַּי

𐤌𐤁𐤍𐤉

Mᵉbunnay

H4012 noun

SILEX Entry

Root בנה to build, construct, establish

Definition

A personal name meaning 'built up' or 'constructed,' derived from the idea of being established or built. Used as the name of an individual (Mebunnai) identified as an Israelite in the period of David. The root concept involves construction, which in a personal name context typically conveys stability, establishment, or the idea of being firmly set or made secure.

Semantic Range

built up (in reference to persons), firmly established, constructed, Mebunnai (personal name)

Root / Etymology

From the root בנה (b-n-h), meaning 'to build, construct, establish.' The name מְבֻנַּי is likely a passive participle or adjectival form, signifying 'built up' or 'one who is built.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The name מְבֻנַּי appears specifically as a warrior among David's mighty men in 2 Samuel 23:27, with a parallel form 'Sibbecai' (סִבְּכַי) found in several texts (e.g., 1 Chronicles 11:29). There has been some textual variation and possible confusion between the names, but both refer to a prominent Israelite associated with David's military elite. The construction of the name from the root 'to build' reflects a broader biblical naming practice conveying certainty, reliability, or a sense of being securely established. Later translations sometimes assimilate the personal name to variant spellings, and English renderings such as 'Mebunnai' or 'Mebunnai the Hushathite' may not capture the meaning inherent in the Hebrew. The use of the root relates to personal status and establishes the bearer as one who is 'built up' in reputation or standing. The identification as an Israelite is specific to the monarchic period and should not be conflated with later Judean or Jewish identities.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from בָּנָה; built up; Mebunnai, an Israelite; Mebunnai.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

בנה (b-n-h) — to build, construct, establish

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1004 בַּיִת in the houses
H1005 בַּיִת the built-house
H1006 בַּיִת the house
H1007 בֵּית אָוֶן house-of
H1008 בֵּית־אֵל in house of

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4012-01 מְבֻנַּ֖י mevunay HNp Mebunnai Built-Up One 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4012-01 2 Samuel 23:27 מְבֻנַּ֖י mevunay HNp Mebunnai Built-Up One